The Insisters: Su Insister

Yo.... Here we are....

2010-04-12T21:42:00.009+02:00

Hello Insister-ites....

News has been a bit slow lately.. but here we go....

Recording has been on hold as we search for technical stuff and I have been travelling.. so.. hopefully all will be back on track.

We recorded some tracks late last year which we were not that happy with vocally or arrangement wise such as Losers Clown, Cry and one or two others.... so we are looking at re-recording those.

Our fav mixing studio has changed hands so we will be looking at that or finding another...

The feedback from our last Privately Live show was great and some peeps have emailed me with song requests... wadda ya think.. have you any to add to the list of consideration of should it be kept more or less original songs with other stuff ....?? Let me know

So sorry for the delay in catching up with all of you.. but hang in there.... the cd when finished will be cool...

Love and hugs

2010 Way To Go...

2010-02-01T07:33:00.002+02:00

Hello Su Insister groupies...

Recording is now getting back on track after some technical glitches. I have some songs where the vocal needs to be re-done. Then gonna look at the music selection for the cd... and then ... do some mixing.... and then ....think about the cover .... and then offer it out there....

The show in Hilton, KZN is actually a private request show... so if it comes off it will most definately be Privately Live... watch th is space...

Until later ....

Love Su

Privately Live with Su

2009-11-12T23:00:00.006+02:00

Privately Live... signs out on a bang

2009-11-12T22:27:00.006+02:00

Helllloooo Su Groupies,

Privately Live with Su on 7th November was a great success.. the gals had great food, great laughs, some good music and good clean fun.... yay way to go.

This was the last, for the foreseable future, of the Privately Live shows... and Gary and I are going back to recording to get the cd out early next year.

Radio Today 'Outspoken' will be inviting me back to interview on air and if sufficient notice is given I will blog the details.'Outspoken' is Radio Today's gay channel on air each night between 2100-2200 best received on DSTV audio channel 169. I actually can't remember their Medium Wave band width but google them if interest.

Hope you had a great time with me this year.... see y'all soon...

Watch this blog...

Love Su

Privately Live: Su Insister 7th Nov - The Last Show - 'Souled Out'

2009-11-03T16:51:00.003+02:00

Well now ladies congrats congrats..... the show is now completely and utterly 'souled out'!

Thank you for your support.. we are gonna have such a great time... good food, great company and some fun music....

Backed by the great Gary Herselman, I will be doing two sets.. the first around 2030, so get there by 1900 and get the food on the burner.

Note that there will be no service during the sets.. so order your liquid refreshers in advance.

Yay yay yay .... lets have a some fun tonight...

See you on Saturday ladies

Love

Privately Live:Su Insister - The Last Show

2009-10-26T17:13:00.003+02:00

Hello Su Groupies,

Recording is on hold at the moment while Gary and I rehearse for Privately Live: Su Insister The Last Show on 7th November - which only has two seats left ... wow wow wow all 'souled' out again - after the show we hope to get back to the studio in the garden and finish what we started earlier this year.

There are some songs from way back when which are being re-recorded and updated and hopefully, although later thn we had planned, the cd will find its legs early next year...

So until then.... come party and have fun with me on the 7th November.... see you ladies there...

Love Su

Privately Live with Su Insister - 7th November 2009

2009-10-08T10:26:00.002+02:00

OK.... okay.... ok....

The venue for Privately Live is Satori in Linden, for those of you not in the know about this little gem of a restaurant, it is in 4th Avenue, between 8th and 7th Sts.

I will be singing two sets of about 35/40 minutes each, some of my own music and some rock, blues, pop covers.

Last time in May.... Satori rocked into the night.... so book now... and come party party party....

Su

Privately Live with Su Insister 7th November 2009

2009-10-05T16:45:00.003+02:00

Hiya Su Groupies,

Privately Live with Su Insister has a few seats left... so come and confirm your places now.

Here's the real deal.... R110.00 gives you a greek salad, jug of Sangria, any choice of main course, Italian Kisses and coffee. Other beverages for your account. There is a R25.00 cover charge. Starts 1900-1930.

I will be doing two sets from around 2030 or so... bit of rock n roll, my own music and some blues. I am backed by the great Gary Herselman who has played with most of all the local ground-breaking muso's of the 90's.

RSVP to sjc@worldonline.co.za

Lets go girls.....

2009-08-27T18:40:00.003+02:00

Wow Su Fans.....

You are amazing....7th November nearly fully reserved... about 4 seats left.....

So confirm now those of you who have reserved ....

New music is being rehearsed some own stuff and some covers....the food is good the service awesome.....and it is a gay event only for women... woo hoo!

hugs
Su

2009-08-26T17:10:00.001+02:00

Hellloooo Su Groupies

Privately Live with Su Insister is now scheduled for 7th November 2009.... at Satori in Linden...

R110 per head for full meal (drinks for your account), and there is a R25.00 cover charge....

Seats are being snapped up.... so book now by emailing me on sjc@worldonline.co.za.

Hugs
Su

Su Insisters .... returns.. me thinks... could be...

2009-07-27T14:25:00.005+02:00

Hello Su groupies,

This blog is back on the go.... hopefully....

The next Privately Live with Su Insister is due in early November...

So whosa coming this time...and there may even be a surprise during the evening.... mmmm watch this space...

luv

Free song download! Victim

2009-04-06T20:10:00.003+02:00

Hi There Su Bloggers

The latest free download is a song called "Victim", written by Linda Dawson, it is one of seven songs that I purchased from her estate after her unfortunate death.

"Victim" was part of the Insisters repertoire in the early 80's and one of my favourite Dawson compositions. It was a song written in anger at the time, her anger against the world, her psychiatrist and anyone who kind of got in the way.... I have re-recorded it and tried to put a more quizical tone to it while retaining some of the harshness.

Enjoy

Hugs

Su

CLICK TO DOWNLOAD "VICTIM"

Words: Su Insister
Song: Linda Dawson/Su Insister
Photo: Ulla Kelly

Download "If That's What You Want" mp3 by The Insisters - FREE

2009-02-15T14:48:00.006+02:00

If That's What You Want was the first 7" single from The Insisters, co-written by Linda and Su in the early 80's.

Linda and Su are the only Insisters on this record, which was recorded in a studio one dark murky weekend with an errant sound engineer. Linda arranged it and played all instruments except drums, which were handled by Su. Sue did the lead vocals while joining Linda on backing vocals. The sessions were most certainly inspired by the Chinese take-away across the road in Jeppe St, Johannesburg City Centre. The song became "Berksie's" hit pick of the week on Radio 702 in 1981, and from there we launched into TV work and shot one of South Africa's first music videos for "Pop Shop".

It was a song written for Linda's then current infatuation - her psychiatrist. But, can be interpreted to cover many situations.

It was this song that caught the ear of Jonathan 'Rat' Handley and he signed us to Radium Wreckords his own label and got the then WEA Records and Benji Mudi to distribute and promote. Unfortunately the original master of this song has gone missing - if anyway one finds it or has it please get in touch with me.

I am going to re-record this song.

Hugs
Su

DOWNLOAD IF THAT'S WHAT YOU WANT & MORE MP3's!

Words/Music Su Insister/Linda Dawson, copyright Sue Charlton

Download "If That's What You Want" mp3 by The Insisters

2009-02-15T14:48:00.000+02:00

If That's What You Want was the first 7" single from The Insisters, co-written by Linda and Su in the early 80's.

Linda and Su are the only Insisters on this record, which was recorded in a studio one dark murky weekend with an errant sound engineer. Linda arranged it and played all instruments except drums, which were handled by Su. Sue did the lead vocals while joining Linda on backing vocals. The sessions were most certainly inspired by the chinese take-away across the road in Jeppe St, Johannesburg City Centre. The song became "Berksie's" hit pick of the week on Radio 702 in 1981, and from there we launched into TV work and shot one of South Africa's first music videos for "Pop Shop".

It was a song written for Linda's then current infatuation - her psychiatrist. But, can be interpreted to cover many situations.

It was this song that caught the ear of Jonathan 'Rat' Handley and he signed us to Radium Wreckords his own label and got the then WEA Records and Benji Mudi to distribute and promote. Unfortunately the original master of this song has gone missing - if anyway one finds it or has it please get in touch with me.

I am going to re-record this song.

Hugs
Su

Free MP3 - Don't Hide Your Love From Me

2009-01-31T19:31:00.006+02:00

Don't Hide Your Love From Me is a song written in the mid-70's.

CLICK TO DOWNLOAD THE FREE MP3!!

Never recorded properly, and was never part of the Insisters repertoire.

It is one of my most sentimental slush-puppy songs, but seems to have stood the test of time.

Some things never change and I am as full of romantic gush now as I was then, probably worse.

Candlelight, good food and red wine. Holding hands across the table.

Words & Music copyright Sue Charlton

Download another Su Insister mp3! Smokin' Wood

2009-01-14T20:06:00.011+02:00

Smokin Wood ended a 22 year song writing drought.

It was written while pacing the boardwalk of Umhlanga Rocks in November/December 2006 with a camera. Written in my head and scrawled on hotel note paper it took some time to evolve in the studio.

Influenced by my visit to New Orleans in 2000, it was a complete break in style both musically and word wise for me.

I love it. A most heavily influenced lesbian song.

Moody, sensual and personal.

Su

CLICK TO DOWNLOAD SMOKIN' WOOD

Words: Su Insister
Song: words + music Sue Charlton
Photo: Ulla Kelly

Su solo - 1984

2009-01-12T21:24:00.005+02:00

This is one of my favourites as it captures my sense of aloneness at the time - I essentially was alone for the next 10 years.. I abandoned music and performing, wrote poetry and examined and fixed my soul.

Su

Photo: Diana Ellis

It's a Crime - but you can still download the mp3

2009-01-07T19:50:00.003+02:00

It's A Crime was my first openly gay song. Written in the 80's when being 'out' socially was precarious and definitely not acceptable in the corporate world of that time.

My earlier singing career was in a time of changing lyrics from 'she' to 'he.'

It is SO much more fun singing ' she she she she she she....' lol!

So many women so little time ..heh!

I am very proud of this song.

- Sue Charlton

DOWNLOAD "IT'S A CRIME"

I CLOSE MY EYES
AND WHAT DO I SEE
A WORLD OF LONELINESS AND INSANITY
OH IT’S A CRIME
IT’S A CRIME
IT’S A CRIME
TO LOVE THE ONE YOU DO

THE VERDICTS GUILTY
YET WE DON’T UNDERSTAND
THOUGH THERE’S EVIDENCE RIGHT HERE IN OUR HANDS
OH IT’S A CRIME
IT’S A CRIME
IT’S A CRIME
TO FEEL THE WAY WE DO
WON’T EVER CHANGE
EVER CHANGE
EVER CHANGE
FEELINGS THAT BELONG TO YOU

REF:

PEOPLE TRIED TO CHANGE US
TRIED TO TELL US WHAT WE’RE DOING WAS WRONG
TRIED TO REARRANGE US
BUT WHEN YOU FEEL THAT WAY
GUESS YOU JUST CARRY ON

WE CLOSE OUR EYES
AND WHAT DO WE SEE
A WORLD OF LAUGHTER AND HYPOCRISY
OH IT’S A SHAME
IT’S A SHAME
IT’S A SHAME
THAT YOU CAN’T LOVE THE ONE YOU DO
OH IT’S A CRIME
IT’S A CRIME
IT’S A CRIME

Song: words + music Sue Charlton
Photograph: Ulla Kelly

It's a Crime - but you can still download the mp3

2009-01-07T19:37:00.000+02:00

It's A Crime was my first openly gay song. Written in the 80's when being 'out' socially was precarious and definitely not acceptable in the corporate world of that time.

My earlier singing career was ina time of changing lyrics from 'she' to 'he'

It is SO much more fun singing ' she she she she she she....' lol!

So many women so little time ..heh!

I am very proud of this song.

- Sue Charlton

http://rapidshare.com/files/180764880/10_it_s_a_crime.mp3.html

The Insisters & Sue Charlton Discography:

2009-01-07T14:02:00.003+02:00

Singles
If That's What You Want/Sweetheart (1981) Radium Wreckords

If That's What You Want/Sweetheart re-issue (1982) WEA reached no1 on RAU charts and peaked at no39 on Capital Radio 604 charts on 13 March 1982

Bluebeat/Wild Horses Heavy Waves (1983) WEA

Sue Charlton (solo):
I'm Amazed/Someone (1984) WEA

Where has Su Insister been?

2009-01-06T20:49:00.003+02:00

In her own words:

Well now, who can say… back streets and alley ways I guess…. after the Insisters reunion sometime in mid-90’s I decided to record some of the stuff The Insisters never recorded, and re-record some of the stuff that went past its sell-by date.

And write some new stuff…and record that too.

So here in 2009, with no mascara, shorter hair, no Rockey Street and a voice still going pretty well, I have recorded some 14 or so songs in the last 4 years. Hope to release online this year.

I now do rare and private public singing functions… to gay women to be precise… they do so respond so well…. * smiles *…it was always my dream as a child to sing to women... so now I can do it…

At the Insister reunion two women rushed up to me afterwards and hugged and kissed me…. I thought that’s a good night time job!!

At the last supper club where I sang last year… a straight woman kissed me back… and I thought I’ll keep my day job ….. guffaw!

Seriously though…things are going great guns …even as an ex-sister or out-sister!

Chat soon!
Hugs, Su

(Photo: Sara Prins)

Rockey Street Women

2009-01-06T19:13:00.002+02:00

(from left to right: Tammy Isaacson, Su Insister aka Sue Charlton, Linda Dawson, Colleen Briel)

Before Mel, Emma, Victoria, Geri and Mel there was Sue, Linda, Muff and Yvonne. These weren’t girls with soccer star appendages and how-short-can-you-go mini-dresses, but real pop chicks with roar, that had music in their veins, songs to sing and eyeliner by the truckloads.

Boys and girls, these were The Insisters. All girl group in the heydey 80's. A Johannesburg based band with as much edge as the whole city put together. Ask Karl Kikillus, he knows. Yes, an appearance on PopShop was all in a days work for these gutsy girls.

Forming a girl band in the 80s in Johannesburg in South Africa with all that that era entails; Calvinism only just starting to lose its hold, idiot politicians still ready to wave their finger – now that’s girl power.

Words: Capricorn
Image: Keith Forsyth

The Insisters: Big in Japan?

2009-01-05T00:38:00.000+02:00

Well maybe not big - but how cool is it that a Johannesburg girl band from the eighties is considered collectible by a Japanese dude in 2008? Very cool, I think ... cult cool, in fact.

Posted by MASANOBU on 9/27/2008, 10:39 am
I look for the band of South Africa.
Band name is INSISTERS.

If you have their single, please hand it over.

"If That's What You Want"
"Bluebeat"

Best wishes,
Masanobu Suga
From Japan

How did he hear of them? What does he like about them? I want to know more ... and is he going to buy those singles, or mug someone for them?